Lake Charles Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Charles Dam, located in Mason County, Kentucky, is a private earth dam constructed in 1955 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 30 feet and spanning 350 feet in length, impounds Lawrence Creek to create a reservoir with a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. With a surface area of 7.7 acres and a drainage area of 0.22 square miles, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Despite its low hazard potential, Lake Charles Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of October 2017. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Kentucky Division of Water, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Although the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, efforts to improve the dam's condition and implement risk management measures may be necessary to enhance its long-term stability and safety for visitors and the surrounding environment. With its picturesque setting and recreational opportunities, Lake Charles Dam remains a valuable asset for the community while requiring ongoing maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential risks.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
LAWRENCE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.22 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Lake Charles Dam